Definition of gaslighting

Short definition: The word gaslighting means a form of manipulation where someone makes another person doubt their own thoughts, feelings, or memories. the word gaslighting is often used to describe emotional control that slowly weakens confidence and self-trust.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word gaslighting? The word gaslighting is often used when talking about emotional manipulation and unhealthy communication in relationships. It describes a situation where someone slowly makes another person doubt their own memory, feelings, or sense of reality. This doesn’t usually happen in one big moment, but through many small comments and actions over time. In everyday life, gaslighting is now a common word when people talk about emotional safety, self-trust, and boundaries. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and natural way, based on how people really use the word today.

Verb forms: gaslight, gaslights, gaslighting, gaslighted / gaslit
Noun forms: gaslighting
Related: manipulation n., emotional abuse n.
Syllable: gas-light-ing

1. Making someone doubt their own memory or feelings.

   In its most common meaning, gaslighting happens when one person keeps telling another that their memories, thoughts, or emotions are wrong—even when they are not. Over time, the person being gaslit may start to feel confused, unsure of themselves, and afraid to trust their own mind. This can slowly damage confidence and self-worth.

   He kept saying she imagined everything, and slowly she realized she was being gaslighted.
   She started doubting her own memory because of constant gaslighting.
   Being gaslighted made him question things he used to feel sure about.

   Synonyms: mind manipulation, emotional manipulation, reality twisting, psychological control, mental abuse, truth distortion, emotional control, head games, confidence breaking, mental pressure, perception control, emotional deception
   Antonyms: honesty, emotional validation, clear communication, trust-building, supportive talk, healthy dialogue, truthful feedback, respectful conversation, emotional safety, mutual understanding, open honesty, emotional support

2. A form of emotional control in relationships.

   Gaslighting is often connected to power. One person uses confusion to stay in control, while the other feels smaller and less confident. This can happen in romantic relationships, families, friendships, and even workplaces. It usually grows quietly, not suddenly.

   She noticed the pattern of gaslighting in the relationship and finally spoke up.
   His boss used subtle gaslighting to avoid taking responsibility.
   Over time, the gaslighting made her feel powerless.

   Synonyms: emotional control, power manipulation, psychological pressure, subtle abuse, hidden control, emotional dominance, quiet manipulation, mental influence, relationship control, toxic behavior, power games, silent abuse
   Antonyms: equal partnership, mutual respect, emotional balance, shared power, fair treatment, healthy boundaries, supportive leadership, respectful control, teamwork, emotional fairness, cooperative behavior, safe connection

3. Denying reality to avoid responsibility.

   Sometimes gaslighting is used when someone refuses to admit their mistakes. Instead of saying sorry, they deny what happened and make others feel wrong. This protects their image, but hurts the people around them.

   He denied saying those words, even though everyone remembered it—classic gaslighting.
   The manager blamed the team, using gaslighting to escape responsibility.
   She felt angry when she realized the apology never came, only more gaslighting.

   Synonyms: blame shifting, denial tactics, reality denial, excuse making, truth avoidance, responsibility dodging, defensive manipulation, story changing, fact twisting, emotional deflection, accountability avoidance, mental misdirection
   Antonyms: taking responsibility, honest apology, accountability, admitting mistakes, owning actions, sincere regret, truth acceptance, honest correction, responsibility sharing, clear confession, transparent behavior, open apology

4. A term now widely used in mental health discussions.

   Today, gaslighting is often talked about in therapy, social media, and mental health spaces. People use the word to name a behavior that once felt confusing and hard to explain. Having a word for it helps people recognize when something is wrong.

   She learned the word gaslighting from a mental health video.
   Talking about gaslighting helped him understand his past relationship.
   Many people share stories of gaslighting to support each other online.

   Synonyms: therapy term, mental health word, emotional abuse label, psychology term, awareness word, healing language, support vocabulary, self-help term, recovery language, validation word, mental health phrase, emotional clarity term
   Antonyms: silence about abuse, ignoring harm, emotional blindness, lack of awareness, denial culture, unspoken problems, emotional ignorance, no support language, confusion acceptance, staying quiet, unaddressed pain, emotional neglect

5. A warning sign of unhealthy communication.

   More than just a word, gaslighting is a red flag in communication. When someone constantly makes you doubt yourself, it may be time to step back and protect your mental space. Healthy relationships build clarity, not confusion.

   She left the situation once she saw the gaslighting clearly.
   Friends helped him recognize the gaslighting he couldn’t see before.
   Learning about gaslighting helped her set stronger boundaries.

   Synonyms: red flag behavior, toxic communication, unhealthy talk, warning sign, emotional danger signal, relationship alarm, toxic sign, harmful pattern, unhealthy dynamic, emotional hazard, mental risk sign, boundary violation
   Antonyms: healthy communication, safe talk, emotional security, respectful dialogue, trust-building words, clear discussion, open connection, emotional safety, positive communication, supportive language, safe relationship sign, healthy dynamic